The Nigerian Navy has announced plans to deploy armed drones as part of its intensified efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, disclosed this on Monday during the inauguration of Operation Delta Sanity 2 in Port Harcourt. He explained that the challenging terrain of the creeks and the increasing desperation of those involved in illegal oil activities necessitated adopting advanced technology to address the menace effectively.
Ogalla emphasized that the use of armed drones would overcome the limitations faced by the Navy’s smaller drones, which have struggled to access the region’s difficult and remote areas. He stated, “Some of these areas are so difficult to penetrate that even the smallest drones we have cannot reach them. Therefore, we require armed attack drones so that when we identify these illegal activities, the drones can be guided to those locations and deactivate them.”
The deployment of armed drones, alongside enhanced aerial surveillance and maritime domain awareness infrastructure, is part of the Navy’s broader strategy to revamp Operation Delta Sanity and achieve even greater results in 2025.
Launched in January 2024, Operation Delta Sanity aims to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes, ensuring a secure maritime domain to foster economic growth. According to Ogalla, the operation has already recorded significant successes, including the arrest of numerous suspects and vessels involved in oil theft, as well as the deactivation of several illegal refining sites.
The operation has also resulted in increased legitimate activities within the maritime environment and boosted Nigeria’s daily crude oil production. Additionally, the Navy has strengthened its collaboration with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders under the framework of the Harmonized Standing Operating Procedure for Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons.
In his remarks, Minister of State for Oil, Senator Henekin Lokpobiri, praised the Navy for its achievements but expressed concerns over the persistent activities of illegal oil bunkering, particularly along the Trans Niger Pipeline. He urged the Navy to intensify its efforts to bring the issue under control.
During the event, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.A. Akinwande, highlighted the operation’s accomplishments. Since its inception, Operation Delta Sanity has led to the arrest of 215 suspects, the deactivation of 468 illegal refining sites, and the seizure of 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and 7 million litres of illegally refined diesel. Furthermore, 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks have been dismantled as part of the crackdown on oil-related crimes.
Vice Admiral Ogalla reaffirmed that the operation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for national economic prosperity and poverty eradication, emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to ensuring the security and stability of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
